With regards to oral hygiene, people have different thoughts and feelings about mouth rinsing. Some view the habit as a great way to enhance your smile, while others believe it’s better skipped or avoided. All that said, you could easily wonder: Should you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth? Your Fruit Cove dentist is here to help you settle that question. So, please keep reading to learn the perks and risks of oral rinses.
Oral Rinses Have Their Perks
Of course, oral rinses do have their share of pros. They wouldn’t be well-regarded by so many otherwise.
One example is that post-brushing rinses feel natural. After all, it’s common to dislike the feeling of excess toothpaste in your mouth. More than a few prefer to replace that sensation with something else, like the sensation of running water (or mouthwash) over the tongue. Doing so basically fulfills a deep bodily urge.
At the same time, oral rinses can potentially prevent health issues. They ensure you don’t suffer the side effects of ingesting too much fluoride. In particular, good rinsing can keep you from having nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Oral Rinses are Also Risky
On the other hand, oral rinses also have “cons” or risks. These downsides have become apparent due to recent scientific studies and research.
Some scholars conclude that post-brush rinses undo the effects of brushing. More specifically, they think rinsing removes toothpaste from your mouth before it can work. The habit washes fluoride out too quickly, thus depriving you of stronger teeth over time.
One view even holds that rinses with fluoridated mouthwash can backfire. While this liquid has fluoride, the toothpaste it removes has more concentrated forms. That means a rinse with mouthwash after brushing would still leave you worse off.
Should You Rinse or Not?
Given the points above, there isn’t a strong consensus on whether people should rinse after brushing. You’ll have to act according to your own situation, judgment, and preferences.
For instance, those prone to tooth decay may benefit from skipping rinses. This approach would leave more fluoride in your mouth, so it’d better protect you from cavities. You’d then be able to worry less about painful tooth problems.
Whether you decide to rinse your mouth after brushing or not, look after your smile carefully. You’ll have a better day-to-day life that way!
About the Practice
Julington Creek Family Dentistry is based in Fruit Cove, FL. Led by Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen, our practice makes modern and personalized dental care the highest priority. We thus rely on cutting-edge technology and tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services to your smile’s needs. Whether you see us for a dental checkup or dental implants, we’ll ensure your grin thrives! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (904)-230-2961.